Area Lead

About the role

Location: Timberlake, NC (onsite)

Schedule: Full-time | Non-Exempt

About the Role

Voltage is seeking a hands-on Area Lead to drive safety, quality, and production performance within a designated manufacturing area (Cutting/Prep, Crimping, Assembly, or Test/Final). In this role, you will serve as a frontline leader, overseeing a team of 20+ operators and ensuring the execution of daily production goals while maintaining a strong focus on operational excellence.

You will play a critical role in workforce development, training, and continuous improvement initiatives, helping to enhance first-pass yield, reduce scrap, and optimize overall efficiency in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What You'll Do

Production Leadership & Execution

• Lead a team of 20+ production operators within an assigned process area.
• Own hourly production output, quality, and safety performance.
• Conduct daily stand-up meetings, review hourly production boards, and address gaps.
• Report daily performance to plant leadership against established targets.

Training & Workforce Development

• Train and onboard new operators.
• Maintain cross-training and skills matrix to ensure workforce flexibility.
• Coach team members to improve performance, quality, and adherence to standards.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Drive first-pass yield improvements and reduce scrap through root-cause problem-solving.
• Partner with Quality on defect investigations, containment, and corrective actions.
• Write and update standard work, visual aids, and operator instructions.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and process optimization efforts.

Systems & Reporting

• Execute SAP production confirmations (CO11N) and ensure accurate labor reporting.
• Monitor production metrics and ensure data accuracy.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Maintenance to address equipment issues, downtime, and preventive maintenance.
• Support new process launches, engineering trials, and ramp-up activities.
• Collaborate with plant leadership to ensure alignment on production goals and priorities.

What We're Looking For

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 3+ years of manufacturing experience, with 1+ year in a lead or supervisory role.
• Demonstrated ability to train operators and drive quality improvements.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to lead meetings and hold teams accountable.
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn SAP production systems.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles (5S, standard work, visual management).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in wire harness, electronics assembly, or automotive manufacturing environments.
• Prior experience as a team lead or frontline supervisor.
• SAP CO11N production confirmation experience.
• Bilingual (Spanish) skills.
• Experience in a startup or high-growth manufacturing environment.
• IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification.

Additional Information

Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, moving equipment, noise, and varying temperatures. This role requires extended periods of standing and walking, occasional lifting up to 50 pounds, and use of required personal protective equipment (PPE). Flexibility in work hours may be required to support production demands.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. The Company will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment visa, including without limitation, H-1B, O-1, E-3, TN status, or I-485 job portability or similar immigration processes.